Sometime before 1859, Julia Robinson Warner, an American Robinson, wrote a history of the Robinson Family in Scotland and America. 

Her handwritten manuscript tells the story of Donald Robinson son of Lord James Robinson of Blarefatte, Scotland.  These Robinsons lived in a mansion in Blarefatte possibly referred to as Dumbarton Castle. 

In school, Donald became a best friend of an Englishman referred to as the “Earl of D”.   No other identification is given for his friend. 

Donald married Mary McNeal the eldest daughter of Sir Andrew McNeal on June 15, 1743.    A year later, their first child, John was born.   Donald’s father decided to retire and gave his son his inheritance allowing Donald to become the lord of Blarefatte. 

At the Battle of Culloden, Donald led a Scottish unit and was wounded in the fight.  After it was over, Donald’s wife searched the battlefield and found the Donald lying with the dead.  His wife and he make it back to Blarefatte and were surprised to find his friend the English Earl of D there to check up on his family’s welfare.

With the Earl of D’s help, Donald hid from the English forces and then fled Scotland on a boat to Ireland.  He ended up in Eneshone where he changed his first name to Daniel – “the English equivalent of Donald” and pretended to be of English descent. 

Not long later, the Earl of D. reunited Donald (now Daniel Robinson) with his wife and child and his inheritance/treasure. Daniel Robinson went on to become a prosperous merchant.  His son John grew up and also became successful and then he decided to go to America.  He landed on the 19 of May 1771 in Philadelphia.  Then he traveled to New York City and upstate NY – possibly Pawling – where his adventures continued. 

Provenance of the manuscript:

This volume is bound in worn and torn leather with “Robinson Family” and “Marquis Rawson” imprinted in gold lettering on the front.   It is divided into two parts.  

Julia Robinson Warner gave her handwritten manuscript to Thomas Robinson in 1859. Julia was the sister of Daniel Robinson, the grandfather of Marquis Robinson.  Marquis is my great-grandfather. 

Julia wrote the story at an unknown date.  A copy of one page of the handwritten manuscript is included along with a map of Scotland and New England showing the travels of the Robinson family.

In 1920, Merritt Burthus Robinson contacted Elsworth Robinson (my great uncle) regarding additional information about the Robinsons.  At this time Merritt sent a typewritten copy of the manuscript to Mabel Robinson Stone (my grandmother).

Also in 1920 Mabel typed our present copy and wrote a Part Two of the history.  In this she tells the story of her father Marquis Robinson and his children and she also implores subsequent Robinsons to do the same.

If anyone has any information on this family, please contact Clayton Rawson at Tgmerlini@aol.com